351 Days ’til 40: Ever Want to Hibernate???

07Mar

Have you ever wanted to hibernate? Check out of the world, nor permanently, but for a short period of time. During this time no one would be allowed to hound you or require anything of you. If you are hibernating, you are not available when the demands of the world are catapulted in your direction.

I think that most of us have wanted to hibernate at one point or another. What freedom it would be to crawl into our caves and allow ourselves to be numb to the multitude of demands inflicted upon us by the big bad world (and the people who live in the big bad world!)

What are the advantages to hibernation?

Solitude

Peace

Comfort

Rest and relaxation

“Detoxing” from the demands placed on us

Is it possible to hibernate without actually morphing into a human version of Yogi Bear? Here are some ways you may be able to take short breaks that allow you to briefly hibernate:

Take a bubble bath

Attend a yoga class

Read a good book

Walk in the forest or along the beach

Sing

Play a musical instrument

Nap

Exercise

It is important to allow ourselves to take a break, or “check out” from the world – to give ourselves moments to take a deep breath. By allowing the moments of hibernation, it strengthens our ability to actively engage with life and be productive when we re-emerge.

On this day, 351 days ’til 40, I will strive to remember to allow myself to take those small moments of hibernation in order to remain refreshed and able to navigate life’s larger challenges.